Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has called for his players to show more "courage" when in possession.

The Reds boss wants his players to prize keeping hold the ball over everything else, regardless of whereabouts on the pitch they receive a pass.

"Courage - that is a key quality for me; can you be brave on the pitch, not in terms of 50/50 tackles, but having the ball and looking to play in areas others wouldn't?" Rodgers is quoted as saying in The Mirror.

"I think my history as a coach shows I like players who are gifted technically and have courage when it comes to being in possession of a football.

"I would say you can't divorce the two - ability and personality. It all comes as part of the package. A player's character is a crucial factor I look into before committing to signing them. They also need to show a willingness to learn, regardless of age and experience; that's very important to me."

The Reds are currently third in the Premier League.